Genome Sequencing: UAE Revolutionizes Cancer Care

Abu Dhabi’s pioneering new Emirati Genome Programme (EGP) is all set to drastically enhance the conditions of cancer patients in the UAE. According to one of the UAE’s best oncologists, genome sequencing would provide improved diagnosis and treatment for such residents, completely transforming cancer care. 

What Would Genome Sequencing Do For UAE citizens?

Genome sequencing is essentially determining the order of the DNA nucleotides in a genome that comprise an organism’s DNA. Dr. Humaid Al Shamsi, President of, Emirates Oncology Society elaborated on the national genomics initiative being developed in Abu Dhabi. 

This remarkable, transformative programme hopes to sequence the DNA of the UAE’s locals and citizens. It aims to thereby foresee illnesses and get a better idea of how the diseases advance. This would enable doctors to suggest specific, personalized cancer treatment options for their patients.

Dr. Al Shamsi, a professor at the University of Sharjah, also commented on the same. He said that the Emirati Genome Programme would use modern technology and expertise to make the best out of the process of genome sequencing. This would give the UAE a chance to establish a state-of-the-art genomic healthcare system in the country and its surrounding area.

Patients would receive the best possible care and through the most recent scientific developments, the medical industry would offer improved health outcomes for cancer patients. Genome sequencing in large populations of cancer patients would lead to a much greater understanding of cancer cells and genomes, leading to better diagnosis and care.

How And Why Would The Emirati Genome Programme Be Implemented?

He added that the EGP would enable the healthcare sector to utilize the scope of genomic medicine and science. The UAE’s goal to bring down NCDs mortality rates, including every kind of cancer, would be served if this concept is explored to better the health of its citizens. All this becomes possible because the field gives medical experts a more nuanced grip over how various diseases and illnesses come about. It is reinforcing the advancement of new interventions that, according to him, would have been unimaginable just 10 years ago.

The Department of Health (DoH) in Abu Dhabi just increased the number of sample collection sites for the Emirati Genome Programme. Sample collection sites now include the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, Biogenix Labs in Masdar City, NMC Healthcare and Burjeel Hospitals in Abu Dhabi, and Al Ain Convention Center, CurePlus Medical Centre, and Al Towayya both in Al Ain too.

Dr. Al Shamsi has been encouraging the residents of the UAE to participate in the initiative. Ultimately this would lead to improved estimates, prevention, and treatment of inherited and chronic diseases for the present as well as the upcoming generations. 

The aim is to enhance the lives of people who have been inflicted with cancer. Information derived from blood samples of buccal swabs can help the medical practitioners determine what causes different illnesses, other than cancer. Dr. Al Shamsi expressed his pride in having been involved in the initiative, and he invites others to join him as well.